Shire planning tourism shake-up

The Corangamite Shire has proposed major changes to its planning scheme to boost tourism in the municipality.

A study has identified 20 preferred locations, including two at Loch Ard Gorge, to expand and build new tourism facilities.

Corangamite Mayor Matt Makin says more than two million people visit the 12 Apostles each year but few stay overnight.

He says the research indicates better accommodation and other facilities are needed.

"So the value they provide to the local economy is poor," he said.

"So that, along with some additional work we did in terms of primary research of visitors, clearly indicated to us that something needed to change in tourism space and one of those things is the availability of product and tourism product."